There are many different ways that Hydro-Electricity can be harnessed. The basis of the whole process is the movement of water which flows into a pipe and forces the blades of a turbine to turn. The turbine then spins a generator and that produces electricity.
Turbine - A machine that has a wheel or rotor made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, producing continuous power
diagram of a turbine
There are a number of different systems for obtaining this energy. They include:
Tidal Barrages
A system where a dam is built across an inlet. Sluice gates on the dam are used to manipulate water levels, flow rates, and allows the tidal basin to fill with incoming high tides. Electricity is generated from the elevated level of water. It then empties through the turbine system on an outgoing tide (ebb tide).
Tidal Turbines (Wave Energy)
A system in which a wave rises into the a chamber. The air in the chamber is forced out and spins a turbine that powers a generator.
Ocean Thermal
Radiation from the Sun leaves the surface of the ocean warm. Deeper in the ocean temperatures drop.
The difference in temperature between the surface and the deep water can be used to produce electricity.
The temperatures initiate a current due to convection. This process only functions if there is at least a 77 ˚F difference.
This limits the system to only be used in tropical regions.
photograph of tidal barrage ------------------------------->
picture above shows how ocean thermal energy is produced
Why is it Renewable?
Thanks to the water cycle, hydroelectricity can be re-used. The water evaporates, condenses into clouds,
then precipitates as rain, snow, etc. Eventually the water flows back through the machines.
diagram that shows how the water cycle functions ----------------->
--------> To See How Hydroelectricity Works, Watch the Video Below
How Does Hydro-Electricity Work?By: Amy Keum
There are many different ways that Hydro-Electricity can be harnessed. The basis of the whole process is the movement of water which flows into a pipe and forces the blades of a turbine to turn. The turbine then spins a generator and that produces electricity.
Turbine - A machine that has a wheel or rotor made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, producing continuous power
diagram of a turbine
There are a number of different systems for obtaining this energy. They include:
Tidal Barrages
A system where a dam is built across an inlet. Sluice gates on the dam are used to manipulate water levels, flow rates, and allows the tidal basin to fill with incoming high tides. Electricity is generated from the elevated level of water. It then empties through the turbine system on an outgoing tide (ebb tide).
Tidal Turbines (Wave Energy)
A system in which a wave rises into the a chamber. The air in the chamber is forced out and spins a turbine that powers a generator.
Ocean Thermal
Radiation from the Sun leaves the surface of the ocean warm. Deeper in the ocean temperatures drop.
The difference in temperature between the surface and the deep water can be used to produce electricity.
The temperatures initiate a current due to convection. This process only functions if there is at least a 77 ˚F difference.
This limits the system to only be used in tropical regions.
photograph of tidal barrage ------------------------------->picture above shows how ocean thermal energy is produced
Why is it Renewable?
Thanks to the water cycle, hydroelectricity can be re-used. The water evaporates, condenses into clouds,
then precipitates as rain, snow, etc. Eventually the water flows back through the machines.
diagram that shows how the water cycle functions ----------------->
--------> To See How Hydroelectricity Works, Watch the Video Below
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